Flexible package and method of forming a cuff

ABSTRACT

A package having a foldable top region is provided. The package generally includes panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity therebetween and accessible through an access opening. The top portion can provide a cuff member or cuff region that can be folded and unfolded to facilitate use of the package as a bowl or other cuffed container for material contents. The package can be adapted to hold its shape as a bowl or cuffed container.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/080,102, filed Jul. 11, 2008, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, moreparticularly, to packages having a cuff, and methods for forming a cuffor cuffed region, or using packages as a bowl.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flexible packages used for items like food, liquid and other materialcontent are meant to store, transport and serve as the consumptioncontainer. Namely, it is often desirable to have a package adapted forthe end user to consume the contents directly from the package, ratherthan transferring the contents to a bowl, plate, or other container ordevice. Such conventional designs are often cumbersome and difficult touse. For instance, typical stand-up packages are not capable of use as abowl or to drink out of because they are not generally stable, are notable to hold their shape, and present sharp points or edges that cancause injury.

As a result, there is a need for a flexible package that substantiallysolves the above-referenced problems with conventional package designs,use, configurations, and manufacturing methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves many of the problems facing flexiblepackages and the packaging industry. Embodiments of the presentinvention are directed to a package generally capable of forming a cuff,or to convert the package into a bowl. The package can include a front,back and bottom panel portion to define an interior accessible throughan access opening. The bottom panel can be configured to provide astand-up pouch configuration for the package, with the bottom paneldefining a base measurably wider than the height of the package tocreate a stable stand-up configuration. The package can further includeone or more side panel portions, gusseted or non-gusseted. The interioris capable of storing and dispensing product or other objects, includingsolids and liquids.

The package can include a top region proximate the access opening, thetop region having a cuff member, such as an access device for one-timeor re-closeable use. The access device can permit selective access intothe internal cavity of the package through the access opening. The topregion can be foldable about a fold area proximate the cuff member suchthat a cuff is presented. It is envisioned that various creases, oradded structures such as rigid or semi-rigid members, can be providedalong or proximate the fold area to facilitate folding along the foldarea.

The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe eachillustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Thefigures in the detailed description that follow more particularlyexemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a package with a cuff member or cuff region inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the package of FIG. 2, containing packagecontents.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a package with a cuff member cuff region inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the package of FIG. 4, showing an end userfolding the top region.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the package of FIG. 4, with the top regionfolded over or downward to create a cuff with the cuff member (e.g.,zipper) or cuff region present on the outside of the package.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a package with the top region folded over ordownward to create a cuff with the cuff member or cuff region present onthe outside of the package.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the package of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the package of FIG. 7, containing packagecontents.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.For illustrative purposes, hatching or shading in the figures isprovided to demonstrate sealed portions and/or integrated devices forthe package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A purpose of the present invention is to form a package, such as aflexible package, to have a top region or portion capable of foldingover to form a cuff. Such a cuff configuration facilitates using thepackage as a bowl or other like container for accessing or dispensingmaterial contents. The various embodiments and teachings provided hereincan also be employed with a semi-rigid package. References to “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like are for illustrative purposesonly and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosed invention.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, a flexible package 10 and componentsand configurations in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention are shown. The package 10 can include a front panel portion12, a back panel portion 14, a cuff member 24, and a top region orportion 20. In various embodiments, the top region or portion 20 of thepackage 10 can include a space or gap defined between the cuff member 24and a top edge of the package 10. The distance of the gap or space canvary greatly depending on the particular formation and usage needs forthe subject package 10.

In addition, the package 10 can include one or more side panel seals 16,18 and a bottom panel portion 22. The bottom panel portion 22 can begusseted to provide a stable base for the package 10, but othernon-gusseted embodiments are envisioned as well. The side of the packagecan also include side panel portions (not shown), gusseted ornon-gusseted. In the depicted embodiments, the joining and/or shaping ofthe above-referenced panels define the package 10 with an interior orinternal cavity 25, generally having an adjustable internal volumecapacity for holding material contents 11. The panel portions are oftenreferred to as “webs” or films. Each panel can be formed from anindividual web or, alternatively, each of the panels can be portions ofa larger single web, wherein the large web is folded, cut and/or shapedto define the individual and distinctly defined panel portions and,ultimately, the shape and size of the package 10. Regardless of theformation techniques or the use of separate web panels, a distinct ordistinguishable panel portion is defined for each panel. Further, one ormore of the panel portions can be gusseted.

In an upright or stand-up flexible package 10 of one embodiment, thebase or bottom panel portion 22 can be defined by a distance “B”measurably greater than the height distance “H” of the front and backpanels 12, 14, as shown in FIG. 1. This configuration provides a stablebase region to adapt the package 10 for use as a bowl or other standingcontainer for material contents 11. Other dimensional and proportionalconfigurations for the package and its respective panels are envisionedas well. For instance, the base or bottom panel portion 22 distance “B”can be greater than the depth “D” of the bottom panel, or the bottompanel expanded depth “D” from the front panel to the back panel (FIG.5), to provide a stable stand-up package.

The package panel portions 12-22 are generally constructed of flexiblesheet material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal foil,polypropylene, or polyethylenes or polypropylenes laminated with othermaterials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To provide forincreased barrier properties, embodiments can use composite layers ofsaid materials and material of the like. Generally, in such compositeembodiments, a material having preferred sealing characteristics can bejoined, bonded or laminated to a material having a different preferredcharacteristic (e.g., beneficial oxygen barrier properties). Regardless,single sheets, composites/laminates, and a myriad of other materials andtechniques known to one skilled in the art may be implemented based onparticular usage and manufacturing needs without deviating from thespirit and scope of the present invention. The package 10 and itsportions can be formed to provide a stand-up pouch, pre-made pouch,bag-top, one formed and filled on a “form-fill-seal” machine, and otherknown package designs and configurations. Other known package designsand packaging techniques and features can be adapted to incorporate orform the configuration of the present invention as well.

In those package embodiments including an access device as the cuffmember 24, the device 24 can be a re-closeable device that is disposed,attached or integrated to at least one of the front or back panelportions 12, 14, and capable of multiple re-closeable uses. In oneembodiment, portions of the access device 24 are positioned on both thefront panel portion 12 and the back panel portion 14 (e.g., interiorsurface of the panel portions) to facilitate opening and closing of thepackage 10 at the top region 20. For instance, one of the panel portionscan include a male zipper profile and the opposing panel portion caninclude a female zipper profile to facilitate selective engagement andaccess into the package. Various fixed zippers, slider zippers,adhesives/tapes, snap or screw cap devices, snap fasteners, hook andlatch fastening, spouts, fitments, and other like techniques and devicesknown to one skilled in the art can be employed for use as the device24. In addition, the employment of various techniques, devices ormachines for attaching access opening devices to flexible packagingsheets or webs are envisioned for use with the present invention.Alternative embodiments of the access device 24 can be single or minimaluse access devices, folding flaps, spouts, holes, and the like.Additionally, a peel seal can be included, with or without an accessdevice or zipper interlock feature. Further, the cuff member or accessdevice can be disposed along any portion of the package 10, e.g., sides,bottom, and the like, without deviating from the present invention.

In other embodiments, the package 10 may not include an access device,but may instead include a crease, rigid member, semi-rigid member, filmmember, or other structures or configurations for the cuff member 24 todefine a region proximate the top of the package to facilitate foldingof the top to create the described and depicted cuff and hold the roundshape of a bowl. In various embodiments, no cuff member or access deviceat all is required to facilitate formation of the cuff. Instead, thegeneral proportions, materials and overall design and configuration ofthe package can alone, or in combination, enable folding of the top, orother regions of the package proximate an opening, to create theinventive cuff and to hold the round shape of a bowl. In certainembodiments, the top portion 20 can further include a slit, laser score,tear notch 28 or other known means of facilitating the opening of thesealed top portion of the package to allow access to the device ormember 24, and/or the internal cavity 25.

In use, the package 10 can first be provided in an uncuffedconfiguration, such as those embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3. The cuffmember 24 can induce or provide a level of shape memory such that thecuff member 24 (e.g., access device) tends to move at least a distanceback toward the opposing cuff member 24 when the package is opened. Toprovide a cuff, the user generally grabs the opened top portion of thepackage 10 and folds it down at least one time about or below the cuffmember or access device 24, as shown in FIG. 5. This down-fold, orfolds, creates a cuff 26 at the top (or the bottom or sides) of thepackage 10 that results in positioning the once internal member oraccess device 24 on the outside of the package 10, as shown in FIGS.6-9. As such, the top of the package 10 is generally free of sharp orpointy edges. The shape memory of the cuff member 24 in certainembodiments can tend to form or urge the cuff 26 away from the inside ofthe package, which can assist in forming or holding a rounded bowl shapefor the cuffed package (FIG. 9). The user can also fold the top inwardat least once to form the cuff 26 inside the package 10.

The described and depicted cuff configurations provide a bowl-shapedpackage with a wide opening such that the user can selectively shape thebowl, with the bowl generally retaining the desired shape during usebecause of the additional structure and configuration of the cuff 26.With this bowl configuration, the package 10 can be used as a containervehicle for material contents, solids or liquids. For instance, animalscan eat or drink directly from the package 10, reducing the chance ofinjury because of the rounded top edges. In addition, the bowl can beused by a human to hold, transport or consume food or liquids. Afterusing the package 10, the end user can fold the cuff 26 back up,returning the package 10 to its original unfolded configuration andallowing the user to reuse the access device 24 to close the package 10in those embodiments including a re-closeable access device 24.

Various figures and descriptions disclose features and accessories.However, it must be noted that these features are merely illustrative innature and may be placed in varying locations and under varyingconfigurations, and still be consistent with the present invention. Inaddition, the shape and configuration for the panel portions are alsomerely illustrative and can be altered without deviating from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Any of the panel portions, orselected regions thereof, can include various aesthetic and functionalgraphics, such as logos, instructions, advertising, bar codes, and thelike. These graphics can run transverse, parallel, or even in a diagonalorientation to the longitudinal panel edges discussed herein.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive. Similarly, theabove-described methods and techniques for forming the present inventionare illustrative processes and are not intended to limit the methods ofmanufacturing/forming the present invention to those specificallydefined herein. A myriad of various unspecified steps and procedures canbe performed to create or form the inventive package 10.

1. A method of providing a flexible package as a bowl-like container,comprising: providing a flexible package having at least first andsecond panels defining an inner cavity, the first and second panels eachhaving respective interior surfaces, with a first cuff region definedalong a portion of the interior surface of the first panel proximate afirst edge portion and a second cuff region defined along a portion ofthe interior surface of the second panel proximate a second edgeportion, and manipulating the flexible package proximate the first andsecond cuff regions to fold the first and second edge portions over suchthat the first and second cuff regions are positioned on the outside ofthe package to form a cuff in the flexible package.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first cuff region includes a first cuff member, andthe second cuff region includes a second cuff member.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the first cuff member is a first zipper device portionand the second cuff member is a second zipper device portion.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein providing the flexible package furtherincludes providing a bottom panel such that at least the first, secondand bottom panels define the inner cavity and the flexible package isconfigured as a stand-up package.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinproviding the bottom panel includes providing a gusseted bottom panel.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are eachdefined by a width dimension and a height dimension, with the widthdimensions being greater than the respective height dimensions.
 7. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the first and second panels are defined by awidth dimension greater than a depth dimension of the bottom panel. 8.The method of claim 1, further including manually manipulating theflexible package proximate the first and second cuff regions to fold thefirst and second edge portions upward such that the first and secondcuff regions are returned to within the inner cavity of the flexiblepackage.
 9. The method of claim 8, further including interlocking thefirst cuff region with the second cuff region.
 10. A method of providinga flexible package as a cuffed container, comprising: providing aflexible package having at least first, second and bottom panelsdefining an inner cavity, the first and second panels each havingrespective interior surfaces such that a first cuff member is disposedalong a portion of the interior surface of the first panel proximate afirst edge portion and a second cuff member is disposed along a portionof the interior surface of the second panel proximate a second edgeportion; and manipulating the flexible package proximate the first andsecond cuff members to fold the first and second edge portions downwardto form a cuff in the flexible package.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the formed cuff provides a rounded edge portion proximate a topregion of the flexible package.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thefirst and second panels are each defined by a width dimension and heightdimension, with the width dimensions being greater than the respectiveheight dimensions.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first cuffmember is a first zipper device portion and the second cuff member is asecond zipper device portion.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thefirst zipper device portion is adapted to selectively interlock with thesecond zipper device portion to provide selective access into the innercavity of the flexible package.
 15. The method of claim 10, furtherincluding manually manipulating the flexible package proximate the firstand second cuff members to fold the first and second edge portionsupward.
 16. The method of claim 15, further including interlocking thefirst cuff member with the second cuff member.
 17. The method of claim10, wherein folding the first and second edge portions downward includesfolding the first and second edge portions such that the first cuffmember and the second cuff member are positioned on the outside of thepackage to form the cuff in the flexible package.
 18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein folding the first and second edge portions downwardincludes folding the first and second edge portions such that the firstcuff member and the second cuff member are positioned on the inside ofthe package to form the cuff in the flexible package.
 19. A method ofproviding a flexible package as a cuffed container, comprising:providing a flexible package having at least first and second, with thefirst and second panels each having respective interior surfaces suchthat a first access device portion is disposed along a portion of theinterior surface of the first panel proximate a first edge portion and asecond access device portion is disposed along a portion of the interiorsurface of the second panel proximate a second edge portion; andmanipulating the flexible package proximate the first and second accessdevice portions to fold the first and second edge portions downward toform a cuff in the flexible package.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinat least one of the first and second access device portions is a zipperdevice portion.